Quail numbers on rise, surveys show

While I’m hesitant to give a glowing outlook for the upcoming quail season, new data released from the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation does show marked improvement in their annual quail roadside surveys.

The ODWC has conducted annual roadside surveys in August and October since 1990 to provide an index of annual quail population fluctuations. The number of quail observed is reported to provide an index of quail abundance and indicates reproductive success.

ODWC employees surveyed 81 routes in 75 of Oklahoma’s 77 counties. Oklahoma and Tulsa counties are not surveyed.

The state is divided into geographic regions and ecoregions to compare the index year to year. By looking at these divisions separately, biologists get a more precise view of on-the-ground conditions in each county. These divisions also can give hunters a better idea of conditions in the county they intend to hunt.

The 2024 August roadside quail survey shows the statewide quail index up substantially over 2023 climbing from 2.23 to 6.52 quail per route (q/r) which is 28.8 percent above the 35-year average of 5.06 q/r, and 92.3 percent above the 10-year average of 3.39 q/r.

Southwest, which typically leads the state in quail production, showed much improvement from last year, up to 13.42 q/r from 2.67 q/r last year. Those numbers, along with the NW region are above the 10-year and 35-year averages.

“The past winter was fairly mild for Oklahoma, with only a few major systems that brought bitter cold. After three consecutive years of La Niña (warmer/dryer) weather patterns last spring saw a transition to El Niño (cooler/wetter) which generally ties to better quail numbers.,” said Tell Judkins, upland game biologist for the Wildlife Department.

Summer heat and a lack of rain have allowed drought to steadily take hold once again, especially in the southwest region. Over the last 180 days most of Oklahoma has seen below normal rainfall. Some areas in the southwest seeing 20 percent less than normal. These conditions could have an effect on late broods.

Age structure of observed quail shows 54.2 percent full grown, 38.3 percent ¾ grown, 6.8 percent ½ grown, and 0.8 percent ¼ grown birds. This age structure indicates successful early broods with additional nesting throughout the summer.

“Last fall the latest known hatch was documented from the wing-box program with a harvested quail hatching out mid-September. ODWC biologists are currently monitoring our fall weather patterns and are excited to see the numbers on the October Survey. Additionally, ODWC biologists have received several reports of broods of varying ages throughout the summer,” added Judkins.

“In 34 years of conducting these quail surveys, the Summer/Fall survey’s findings have not been the most reliable when it comes to forecasting the hunting season,” said Judkins. “The October roadside surveys will provide a better indication of what the upcoming quail season might have in store.”

Oklahoma’s quail season is right around the corner opening on November 9th and closing on February 15th, 2025. The bag-limit remains 10 quail daily. For more regulations and other information consult the Oklahoma Hunting and Fishing Guide online at https://www.wildlifedepartment.com/hunting/regs or in print wherever hunting and fishing licenses are sold.